Upcoming Events
Screenwriting Sprint: Exploring Feature Film Structure with ac cole
In our previous winter Screenwriting Sprint, participants explored the craft of creating a compelling short film centered on a single hook, message, or thematic statement, drawing from “Save the Cat” and Hero’s Journey ‘beats.’ In this six-week course, the focus shifts to feature-length screenwriting, using John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story” as a framework to examine core feature-film tenets and seven-act structure.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Spark Avenue Improv
The Columbia County Players in partnership with the Spark of Hudson announces an open invitation to all to take to the stage in front of The Spark’s big blue curtain, learning the ever true and lively ups, downs, and sideways basics of improvisation.
Cold Case Collective
The Cold Case Collective is a biweekly discussion group at The Spark of Hudson focused on examining real unsolved cases through an ethical, educational lens. Together, we work to keep victims’ stories at the center, build responsible investigative and critical-thinking skills, and learn from guest speakers connected to justice, advocacy, and investigative fields.
Ecological Support Group
Do you find yourself worrying about the birds, the bees, and the future of our native plants? Or maybe you just want to connect with other eco-minded folks in a supportive, fun space. Hosted by Design Wiild, this ongoing support group is a place to share best practices, swap gardening tips, and learn from guest experts on everything from ecology to climate resilience. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just plant-curious, all are welcome!
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Screenwriting Sprint: Exploring Feature Film Structure with ac cole
In our previous winter Screenwriting Sprint, participants explored the craft of creating a compelling short film centered on a single hook, message, or thematic statement, drawing from “Save the Cat” and Hero’s Journey ‘beats.’ In this six-week course, the focus shifts to feature-length screenwriting, using John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story” as a framework to examine core feature-film tenets and seven-act structure.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Spark Avenue Improv
The Columbia County Players in partnership with the Spark of Hudson announces an open invitation to all to take to the stage in front of The Spark’s big blue curtain, learning the ever true and lively ups, downs, and sideways basics of improvisation.
Artist Talk with Amir ElSaffar
Join us at The Spark of Hudson for a special artist talk with internationally acclaimed composer, trumpeter, and bandleader Amir ElSaffar. Presented in partnership with Clarion Concerts, this gathering serves as a precursor to his performance with the Amir ElSaffar New Quartet at The Stissing Center on Sunday, March 8th at 3pm.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Writing Club
In this twice a month, hour-long session, we’ll gather for casual conversation about writing. What challenges are we experiencing with craft or in our practice? How can we motivate each other (and ourselves) to stay accountable to longer projects? We’ll also write!
Screenwriting Sprint: Exploring Feature Film Structure with ac cole
In our previous winter Screenwriting Sprint, participants explored the craft of creating a compelling short film centered on a single hook, message, or thematic statement, drawing from “Save the Cat” and Hero’s Journey ‘beats.’ In this six-week course, the focus shifts to feature-length screenwriting, using John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story” as a framework to examine core feature-film tenets and seven-act structure.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Spark Avenue Improv
The Columbia County Players in partnership with the Spark of Hudson announces an open invitation to all to take to the stage in front of The Spark’s big blue curtain, learning the ever true and lively ups, downs, and sideways basics of improvisation.
Advanced Storytelling Workshop
Did you participate in Ancram Center’s Level I workshop? Or, are you an experienced storyteller looking for some professional help? Participants will experience Ancram Center's unique approach to storytelling, a process developed through its celebrated Real People Real Stories program. Through a series of exercises and feedback sessions, storytellers will hone their stories to include more detail, moving past what happened and into the why.
Cold Case Collective
The Cold Case Collective is a biweekly discussion group at The Spark of Hudson focused on examining real unsolved cases through an ethical, educational lens. Together, we work to keep victims’ stories at the center, build responsible investigative and critical-thinking skills, and learn from guest speakers connected to justice, advocacy, and investigative fields.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Screenwriting Sprint: Exploring Feature Film Structure with ac cole
In our previous winter Screenwriting Sprint, participants explored the craft of creating a compelling short film centered on a single hook, message, or thematic statement, drawing from “Save the Cat” and Hero’s Journey ‘beats.’ In this six-week course, the focus shifts to feature-length screenwriting, using John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story” as a framework to examine core feature-film tenets and seven-act structure.
Hand Me Downs [1] - a [minor projects Initiative Parent Support Group
This group is for anyone parenting a neurodivergent and/or child with a disability. Together we will share some of our unique challenges in a safe and confidential space - allowing us to find connection instead of isolation. This is not meant to be solution-driven, rather an opportunity to experience validation and fellowship.
Buying a Home: Demystifying the Process
Join Art Frick (Real Estate Agent) and Ricardo Pimentel (Mortgage Loan Officer) for a practical walkthrough of buying a home from start to finish.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Thinking Outside the Box: Identifying, Supporting, and Advocating for the unique needs of the Gifted and Twice Exceptional
Thinking Outside the Box: Identifying, Supporting, and Advocating for the Unique Needs of the Gifted and Twice Exceptional is a full-day learning experience for parents, educators, caregivers, and advocates who want to better understand and support gifted and twice exceptional (2e) learners.
Film Screening & Discussion: 2e: Twice Exceptional
A Thinking Outside the Box Event:
“2e: Twice Exceptional is an honest, up-close look at what it’s like to be – or to be the parent or teacher of — a young person who’s both gifted and coming to terms with a learning difference. Essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding where our next generation of game-changing outliers may be coming from.”
– Steven Kotler, New York Times best-selling author of The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance.
2e or Not 2e: Supporting Twice Exceptional Learners at Home and School with Dr. Matthew Zakreski
A Thinking Outside the Box Event:
In this workshop, Dr. Matt will introduce key definitions of giftedness and twice exceptionality, and explore how 2e students navigate educational and mental health systems. Participants will gain practical insights into how to better support twice exceptional learners both at home and in school settings..
The Neurodiversity Playbook Book Signing with Author Dr. Matthew Zakreski
A Thinking Outside the Box Event:
The Neurodiversity Playbook is designed as a practical, accessible guide—what Dr. Matt calls a “pocket Dr. Matt”—for gifted and neurodivergent kids and their families navigating a world built for neurotypical brains. Grounded in neuroscience and filled with real-world case examples, the book explores how different brains influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Getting Students Writing: How to Support Twice Exceptional Students and Other Reluctant Writers with Dr. Austina De Bonte
A Thinking Outside the Box Event:
Join Dr. Austina De Bonte for an insight-rich workshop focused on supporting twice exceptional students and other reluctant writers. Writing is often one of the most challenging academic areas for 2e learners, and this session offers clear strategies for understanding why writing is difficult and how to help.
Panel Discussion: Supporting Gifted & Twice Exceptional Learners
A Thinking Outside the Box Event:
This panel brings together educators, clinicians, and advocates working at the forefront of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) education to reflect on the day’s themes and engage in conversation with the audience.
Panelists will discuss the current landscape of gifted and neurodivergent education, challenges within school systems, innovative models of learning, and practical ways families and educators can better support students whose needs are often misunderstood or overlooked. The discussion will include time for audience questions and shared dialogue.
Women’s Creative Circle
This women's circle, open to female-identifying and non-binary individuals, is led by Nancy Maurice Rogers and other creatives in the field of arts. Through discussions and dialogues, we will delve into exploring creative processes and recognize the diverse area creativity has in our lives today and that which holds potential for future explorations in our lives. We will expand concepts and understand creativity together to include areas where we can cultivate creative explorations in our lives and in collaboration with others. These discussions will inform, include and support all approaches, ideas and inquiries into creative realms as we search to find our way as individuals and collectively.
Project Budgeting Basics
Led by Danielle Lacovelli, Project Budgeting Basics is a top level overview of budgeting for your creative project. Whether you need to submit a budget to a potential client or investor, or you are just looking to better wrap your head around your personal project costs, this workshop will go over the basics you need to get started.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Writing Club
In this twice a month, hour-long session, we’ll gather for casual conversation about writing. What challenges are we experiencing with craft or in our practice? How can we motivate each other (and ourselves) to stay accountable to longer projects? We’ll also write!
Clean Headspace
Join us for Clean Headspace, a group led by Raena Baldwin of Fresh Start Home Services. This is a supportive, judgment-free space where we come together to tackle the challenges of physical clutter and the mental load that often accompanies it. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your own home or helping a loved one,
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Cold Case Collective
The Cold Case Collective is a biweekly discussion group at The Spark of Hudson focused on examining real unsolved cases through an ethical, educational lens. Together, we work to keep victims’ stories at the center, build responsible investigative and critical-thinking skills, and learn from guest speakers connected to justice, advocacy, and investigative fields.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Elevate Your Website
Your website should be your most powerful marketing tool—but is it working for you? This workshop—led by Nate Padavick, a fellow creative with 20+ years of freelancing experience—will cover 10 key elements that make websites shine, from SEO and user-friendly design to building trust with an audience.
Storytelling Workshop
Take your storytelling to the next level at a workshop designed for anyone who has a story to tell!
In this engaging workshop, participants will experience Ancram Center’s unique approach to storytelling. This process, developed through their celebrated Real People Real Stories (RPRS) program, utilizes fun, creative problem-solving exercises to identify different story ideas. By the workshop’s end, participants will have the start of a personal, compelling, true to life story, along with a plan to bring that story to life!
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Understanding Land Justice: The Land Back Movement in the Hudson Valley
What do “Land Justice” and “Land Back” actually mean? This 60-minute educational and interactive session explores the history, legal landscape, and practical pathways of the Land Back movement.
Spark Avenue Improv
The Columbia County Players in partnership with the Spark of Hudson announces an open invitation to all to take to the stage in front of The Spark’s big blue curtain, learning the ever true and lively ups, downs, and sideways basics of improvisation.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Ask The Trainer
Renee Payne, owner and lead trainer of Walk This Way, will join us at The Spark for an interactive Q&A on dog training and behavior. This session is designed for anyone who wants to better understand how dogs think, learn, and communicate, and how to build a strong, trusting relationship using positive reinforcement techniques.
Screenwriting Sprint: Exploring Feature Film Structure with ac cole
In our previous winter Screenwriting Sprint, participants explored the craft of creating a compelling short film centered on a single hook, message, or thematic statement, drawing from “Save the Cat” and Hero’s Journey ‘beats.’ In this six-week course, the focus shifts to feature-length screenwriting, using John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story” as a framework to examine core feature-film tenets and seven-act structure.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Cold Case Collective
The Cold Case Collective is a biweekly discussion group at The Spark of Hudson focused on examining real unsolved cases through an ethical, educational lens. Together, we work to keep victims’ stories at the center, build responsible investigative and critical-thinking skills, and learn from guest speakers connected to justice, advocacy, and investigative fields.
Founder’s Fireside
Curious about what we're up to at The Spark? Please join founders Albert and Gigi for a fireside Q&A, and learn about the philosophy underpinning our work in Hudson and beyond.
Spark Avenue Improv
The Columbia County Players in partnership with the Spark of Hudson announces an open invitation to all to take to the stage in front of The Spark’s big blue curtain, learning the ever true and lively ups, downs, and sideways basics of improvisation.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
Community Book Club
Join the Community Book Club at The Spark of Hudson, a monthly gathering for readers and curious minds.
Screenwriting Sprint: Exploring Feature Film Structure with ac cole
In our previous winter Screenwriting Sprint, participants explored the craft of creating a compelling short film centered on a single hook, message, or thematic statement, drawing from “Save the Cat” and Hero’s Journey ‘beats.’ In this six-week course, the focus shifts to feature-length screenwriting, using John Truby’s “The Anatomy of Story” as a framework to examine core feature-film tenets and seven-act structure.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Ecological Support Group
Do you find yourself worrying about the birds, the bees, and the future of our native plants? Or maybe you just want to connect with other eco-minded folks in a supportive, fun space. Hosted by Design Wiild, this ongoing support group is a place to share best practices, swap gardening tips, and learn from guest experts on everything from ecology to climate resilience. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just plant-curious, all are welcome!
Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding How to Read an IEP
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding How to Read your Child’s IEP. Does your child have an IEP (Individualized Education Program)? We’ll walk through the different sections of the IEP and discuss how to advocate for supports to make sure the IEP reflects your child’s abilities and needs.
Women’s Creative Circle
This women's circle, open to female-identifying and non-binary individuals, is led by Nancy Maurice Rogers and other creatives in the field of arts. Through discussions and dialogues, we will delve into exploring creative processes and recognize the diverse area creativity has in our lives today and that which holds potential for future explorations in our lives. We will expand concepts and understand creativity together to include areas where we can cultivate creative explorations in our lives and in collaboration with others. These discussions will inform, include and support all approaches, ideas and inquiries into creative realms as we search to find our way as individuals and collectively.
Community Game Night
Join us for Community Game Night at The Spark of Hudson — a relaxed, fun evening of board games, card games, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a strategy fan, a casual player, or just looking for an easy way to unwind and connect with others, this is a welcoming space for all.
Pizza And AI
Please join Spark founders Gigi and Albert for a casual conversation about everyone's hopes and fears around the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). No technical AI knowledge required–just an interest in how society could benefit from various forms of AI, such as autonomous vehicles, medical and legal AI, and robots, while mitigating the many risks.
The Dark: First Light Gathering
Hosted by Vallejo Ganter, Artistic & Executive Director of PS21, this event offers a first look at The Dark Festival, PS21’s new annual winter festival bringing live performance to theatres, restaurants, libraries, saunas, and outdoor public spaces across Columbia County. With 60+ international artists, 80+ performances, and family-friendly events open to all, The Dark is a packed week of theater, music, dance, installation, and more—inviting the community to come together and experience winter in new ways.
Spark Avenue Improv
The Columbia County Players in partnership with the Spark of Hudson announces an open invitation to all to take to the stage in front of The Spark’s big blue curtain, learning the ever true and lively ups, downs, and sideways basics of improvisation.
Free Support Group: Invitation to Change Approach
The Invitation to Change (ITC) Free Support Group is for people who care about someone struggling with substance use and want practical, compassionate ways to help. It is also open to anyone supporting a loved one with substance use or other compulsive behaviors.
The Farmer’s Financial Blueprint
Join Michael Grady Robertson, Certified Financial Planner® and founder of Shelterbelt Advisors (a tax preparation firm), for a practical financial workshop designed for farmers, small business owners, and mission-driven entrepreneurs.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Cold Case Collective
The Cold Case Collective is a biweekly discussion group at The Spark of Hudson focused on examining real unsolved cases through an ethical, educational lens. Together, we work to keep victims’ stories at the center, build responsible investigative and critical-thinking skills, and learn from guest speakers connected to justice, advocacy, and investigative fields.
Clowning Workshop For Actors
This workshop is a great opportunity for actors to explore the world of clown celebrating failure and embracing idiocy! Focusing on play and what brings us joy on stage, the clown is always searching for a game to play and to unapologetically share their pleasure with the audience. For actors, clowning is a tool for honing presence, vulnerability, and that sparkle in your eyes that lets your audience know you’re all there to have a good time.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Lap Crafts Circle
Bring any craft that fits in your lap and join Lap Crafts Circle for an evening of creativity and connection at The Spark of Hudson. Whether you knit, crochet, sketch, bead, embroider, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this relaxed gathering is a chance to make progress on your projects and share ideas with others. All ages and experience levels are welcome — come as you are, with whatever you’re working on (or just curiosity).
Bring your materials, pull up a chair, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and a supportive community of fellow makers.
Cold Case Collective
The Cold Case Collective is a biweekly discussion group at The Spark of Hudson focused on examining real unsolved cases through an ethical, educational lens. Together, we work to keep victims’ stories at the center, build responsible investigative and critical-thinking skills, and learn from guest speakers connected to justice, advocacy, and investigative fields.
Clowning Workshop For Actors
This workshop is a great opportunity for actors to explore the world of clown celebrating failure and embracing idiocy! Focusing on play and what brings us joy on stage, the clown is always searching for a game to play and to unapologetically share their pleasure with the audience. For actors, clowning is a tool for honing presence, vulnerability, and that sparkle in your eyes that lets your audience know you’re all there to have a good time.